The NYFA describes its study thusly: “In light of the record-breaking opening of the female-led action film ‘Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ this past weekend, the New York Film Academy decided to take a closer look at women in film and what, if any, advancements women are making… it’s not all disparaging news and there are a number of female filmmakers, characters, and emerging talent challenging the status quo. In addition, in the independent sphere, women made up roughly half of the directors at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, yet still struggle when it comes to films receiving a wide release. By shedding light on gender inequality in film, we hope to start a discussion about what can be done to increase women’s exposure and power in big-budget films.”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/29/gender-inequality-in-film_n_4360012.html?utm_hp_ref=arts&ir=Arts

What makes Catching Fire and the Twilight films and the upcoming Divergent trilogy so amazing; these films prove that the American public is willing to vote for strong female leads with their hard-earned dollars! The good news is that this second film in the Hunger Gameseries is really good. Great character development, spot-on casting (Amanda Plummer–perfectly batty! Jena Malone–perfectly snide! Elizabeth Banks–finally allowed to act!) and there’s an action-packed story with less attention spent on the love triangle and more time given to furthering the plot about the coming revolution.

Catching Fire was directed by Francis Lawrence, (stepping in for Gary Ross) and based on the books written by Suzanne Collins, the final book has been divided into two parts and with any luck, Mockingjay 1 and 2 will continue this box office blaze.

If the young women in America can only prove to Hollywood that they too, can have a say in what films open big on the weekend…and not just meekly go with their male counterparts to the latest action nonsense…now that, THAT will be a real revolution! May the odds always be in OUR favor!

Rating: 4 slurps of water from a spigot drilled into a tree

Bechdel Rating: Though Jennifer Lawrence does spend time discussing how she’ll save her male counterparts; she’s also seen telling her sister that she’s proud of her, discussing strategy with other women of the games and even being kind to Effie. Katniss Evergreen is the hero of the films and is at the center of most of the big action scenes. A